HJP Lakes Financial Solutions, LLC

Reminder: 3Q estimated taxes are due Tuesday, September 15th. Here are some things to consider.

Reminder: Third Quarter Estimated Taxes are Due - Now is the time to make your estimated tax payment If you have not already done so, please plan to make your third quarter estimated tax payment. The due date is Tuesday, September 15th.

Imagine waking up tomorrow and discovering that your family’s primary source of income is suddenly gone.

The mortgage is still due. Groceries must still be purchased. Children still have dreams for college, and retirement expenses do not disappear.

Would your family be financially prepared?

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month—a reminder that financial literacy is not only about growing wealth. It is also about protecting what you have worked so hard to build.

Life insurance can provide financial support when your family needs it most. Depending on the policy, it may help replace income, pay debts, fund education, protect a business, provide living benefits during a qualifying illness, or supplement retirement income.

Knowledge creates confidence. Planning creates protection.

The goal is not simply to own a policy. The goal is to have the right protection for your current needs and future plans.

Small financial moves can pay off for years. Discover tax breaks for education, simple tax-planning strategies, ways to make banks compete for you, and how to avoid the technology upgrade tax.

Tax Insight Digest: September 2026 College and trade schools are investments that can pay dividends for years. The same can be true of a few smart tax habits repeated year after year. In this month’s newsletter, we take a closer look at tax breaks for post-secondary education along with practical tax planning moves that can del...

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month—a meaningful time to review how well your family, income, and future are protected.

Life insurance is not only about what happens when you die. Depending on the policy and its terms, it may also:

Provide living benefits during a qualifying critical, chronic, or terminal illness
Help protect your family’s financial future
Build cash value that may be accessed for future needs
Create a potential source of supplemental retirement income through properly structured policy loans and withdrawals

Life changes—and your coverage should keep pace. Marriage, children, a new home, career changes, business growth, retirement planning, or health concerns can all affect your protection needs.

Charitable deductions are frequently challenged or denied during an IRS review. Protect your deduction by understanding the documentation and requirements before making a donation.

Donating to Charities? Do it RIGHT! - Donation basics to ensure a proper tax deduction Too often a charitable tax deduction is disallowed upon review by the IRS. Don't let this happen to you. Here is what you need to know.

Long-term care planning is about protecting your independence, your assets, and the people you love. The best time to explore your options is before care is needed.

Don’t leave your family to make difficult decisions during a crisis.

📩 Message me today to schedule your complimentary personal Long-Term Care Planning Review. Let’s create a strategy that provides more choices, dignity, and peace of mind for your future.

@

EDUCATION MATTERS: Social Security and Taxes

Did you know that Social Security benefits may be taxable?

Depending on your total income, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be included in your taxable income. This does not mean you pay an 85% tax rate—it means up to 85% of your benefits may be used when calculating your taxable income.

Income that may affect the taxation of your benefits includes:

• Pensions
• Traditional IRA and 401(k) withdrawals
• Investment income
• Wages or self-employment income
• Other taxable retirement income

Your income may also affect your Medicare premiums through IRMAA.

The lesson: Retirement planning is about more than choosing when to claim Social Security. It also means understanding how your income sources work together.

Planning before retirement may help you:

✅ Make an informed Social Security claiming decision
✅ Coordinate retirement-account withdrawals
✅ Manage taxable income
✅ Prepare for RMDs and Medicare costs
✅ Keep more of your retirement income

Don’t wait until retirement to learn how these rules may affect you.

Schedule a complimentary educational consultation:
calendly.com/rlakes

Rita Lakes, RSSA,CLTC,CFEd Welcome! Let’s explore our financial literacy campaign and the opportunity to become a licensed financial professional. Learn how to help families and business owners while building additional income. Choose a time below to get started!

EDUCATION MATTERS: Social Security and Taxes

Did you know that Social Security benefits may be taxable?

Depending on your total income, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be included in your taxable income. This does not mean you pay an 85% tax rate—it means up to 85% of your benefits may be used when calculating your taxable income.

Income that may affect the taxation of your benefits includes:

• Pensions
• Traditional IRA and 401(k) withdrawals
• Investment income
• Wages or self-employment income
• Other taxable retirement income

Your income may also affect your Medicare premiums through IRMAA.

The lesson: Retirement planning is about more than choosing when to claim Social Security. It also means understanding how your income sources work together.

Planning before retirement may help you:

✅ Make an informed Social Security claiming decision
✅ Coordinate retirement-account withdrawals
✅ Manage taxable income
✅ Prepare for RMDs and Medicare costs
✅ Keep more of your retirement income

Don’t wait until retirement to learn how these rules may affect you.

Schedule a complimentary educational consultation:
https://calendly.com/rlakes

Rita Lakes, RSSA,CLTC,CFEd Welcome! Let’s explore our financial literacy campaign and the opportunity to become a licensed financial professional. Learn how to help families and business owners while building additional income. Choose a time below to get started!

When an interest rate matters. This is what you need to know.

Understanding Tax Terms: AFRs The IRS often sees the transfer of funds as a loan, whether there is a loan agreement or not. This also means there is an implied term and interest payment. When the IRS says a transaction is a loan, what interest rate do they use? Enter AFRs. Here is what you need to know.

What if you outlive your retirement savings?

Retirement isn’t just about saving money—it’s about building a strategy for predictable lifetime income.

With proper planning, you may be able to:

✅ Cover essential expenses
✅ Reduce the risk of outliving your savings
✅ Increase stability and confidence
✅ Enjoy greater peace of mind

Don’t retire with just a pile of money—retire with a paycheck strategy.

Message me to learn how you may be able to turn a portion of your savings into predictable lifetime income.